"1997 Jaguar should never put this car on the market because of so many defects.Timing belt tensioners and guides plastic rubbish.Water pump impeller plastic rubbish.Thermostat housing plastic rubbish.Front end parts need replacing often.Many other problems too many to list!I still love the car lucky i do my own repairs!"

"The car is a drivers car. It handles well on the road with the active suspension. The ride is both smooth, for a sports car, and very quiet. It is hard to tell you are in a convertible when the top is up. The only wind noise is from the side mirrors, which can be said of any car. You can tell you are in a performance car when you accelerate hard and the supercharger does it's job. The seats and their myriad of adjustments along with being heated and lumbar support make for a very comfortable ride for both driver and passenger. It has an excellent sound system and a great navigation system that is easy to use. Now as for the drawbacks. The back seat is a joke there is no way you could have anyone other than a small child, or two small children, in a safety seat ride in it. There is absolutely no leg room for anyone with legs long enough to extend beyond the top of the seat. Though the interior is well appointed there are two weaknesses, the center cup holder is poorly designed and opens harshly and has a tendency to break. It is both hard to find as it is replaced as a unit, and therefore has to be the same color to match the interior leather. The ash tray cover is very sensitive and often will open when just brushed, I highly recommend you go through the owners manual as there are many little things you need to know that could cause you a problem if you have not read up on them. One good example is resetting the side windows, to allow for the automatic up and down when closing, after the battery has been disconnected. Due to the extreme depreciation on Jaguar I recommend you buy it used and let someone take the big hit, but do your homework when buying the car and check it all out."

Great EXCEPT for electrical!

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating

8/10

Value

9/10

Reliability

9/10

Quality

7/10

Performance

9/10

Styling

9/10

Comfort

8/10

Pros: "Engine, comfort, reliable."

Cons: "Electrical"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 7

"Eats up electricity if sits for over three days. Electric windows, etc. must be recalibrated if battery gets low. Trunk light may work, may not. DVD changer not operating half the time....all electric problems other wise a great car! Has been checked over by Jaguar trained tech and nothing wrong with it as to shorts, etc. Must keep trickle charger on it."

"I think this car has become part of our family. When I think of selling her, Snowflake's beauty, sophistication, craftsmanship, materials, reputation and heritage make that option prohibitive. I checked with Blue Book, and they said my dealer trade in value was about $4,000.
That is a joke. This convertible is a head turner, a show stopper...You do not see these on the road very often... Driving in the evening, with the top down in the summer on a two lane blacktop road is pure joy."

"My 370 bhp supercharged V8 loves to run. She'll accelerate all the way up hill with power to spare. Haven't taken her to PIR (Portland International Raceway) but summer is nigh. Lovely interior appointments, leather and burl wood. This is my first Jag and the first car with back-up alarm. Compared to my two Benz SL500's, this cat stands tall and proud. I have had no reliability issues yet, so I have left some of the ratings blank. Call me, and we'll go for a spin !"